Ayesha KhanIn 2025, TikTok Shop and Temu are two of the most popular online shopping platforms but they work very differently.
TikTok Shop has over 33 million shoppers in the U.S. and is growing fast for its short videos and influencers. On the other hand, Temu is now one of the most downloaded shopping apps in over 40 countries. It is known for super low prices and huge discounts. If you’re a seller, picking the wrong platform could lead to poor sales or low profits.
In this blog, we’ll compare TikTok Shop vs Temu for sellers so you can decide which one is right for you in 2025.
To start, here’s a quick overview of how TikTok Shop and Temu work and what sets them apart.
Overview of TikTok Shop vs Temu
Before we compare the two, let’s understand what TikTok Shop and Temu are, how they work, and who they’re made for.
What is TikTok Shop?
TikTok Shop is a shopping feature inside the TikTok app. People can buy products directly through short videos and live streams without leaving the app. This makes it easy for users to see something they like and buy it on the spot.
The platform was launched in the U.S. in 2023 and quickly became popular. Now, millions of people in the U.S. use TikTok Shop to shop from creators and brands. It’s great for selling products that can go viral including makeup, clothes, gadgets, and home items.
TikTok Shop is perfect for small businesses and creators who want to promote their products through fun, engaging videos. It supports different shipping methods such as dropshipping and third-party delivery.
What is Temu?
On the other hand, Temu is a global online store that offers super cheap prices on thousands of items, from clothes and electronics to toys and kitchen tools. It was launched in 2022 by PDD Holdings, the same company that runs the popular Chinese app Pinduoduo.
Temu works more like Amazon or Wish. You browse, add items to your cart, and check out. Most products come directly from factories or suppliers in China, which is why they’re so cheap.
Temu handles everything from shipping and customer service to returns. That makes it easy for big suppliers to sell a lot of products without dealing with customers directly. It’s a better choice for sellers who want to move large amounts of stock at low prices.
Seller Onboarding Process: TikTok Shop vs Temu
Once you have understood how these platforms work, let’s look at how easy the onboarding processes are on both the platforms.
TikTok Shop
TikTok Shop is a beginner-friendly platform that has been designed for influencers, small businesses, and brands. The platform encourages video- based selling and live commerce. Whether you’re a content creator, dropshipper, or retailer, signing up is simple.
Requirements to Join:
- Valid government-issued ID
- Business registration (for certain regions)
- Bank account for payouts
- Product information and clear category listing
Verification Time:
- Typically 1–3 business days.
Unique Features:
- Integrated with TikTok videos/lives
- Shop tab on your profile
- TikTok Creator Marketplace integration
Want to learn how to set up your store? Check out our step-by-step guide: How to Start a TikTok Shop: A Guide for Beginners
Temu
Temu is more of a selective platform that mainly works with large-scale manufacturers, wholesalers, and exporters, not individual sellers or small businesses.
Requirements to Join:
- Apply via Pinduoduo or reach out to Temu directly
- Business license
- Manufacturing or supply capacity
- Warehouse and logistics capabilities
Verification Time:
- It varies, often longer due to contract negotiation and vetting process.
Unique Features:
- Centralized fulfillment
- Price competitiveness driven by PDD Holdings’ model
- Operates more like a supply-chain platform than a creator marketplace
Target Audience and Buying Behavior
Understanding how each platform attracts and influences buyers is key to choosing the right one for your business. The table below breaks down the audience, behavior, and buyer mindset of TikTok Shop and Temu for a quick side-by-side comparison:
|
Feature |
TikTok Shop |
Temu |
|---|---|---|
|
Audience |
Primarily Gen Z and Millennials Drawn to trends and influencer content |
Budget-conscious buyers of all ages Love bargains and bulk deals |
|
Shopping Behavior |
Impulse buying while watching videos Influenced by emotional content, FOMO |
Amazon-style search behavior Actively look for cheap alternatives |
|
Buyer Mindset |
Trend-focused and brand-sensitive Influenced by social proof (reviews, hauls) |
Function > brand Willing to trade shipping speed for lower price |
Fulfilment and Shipping
If we talk about shipping and fulfilment, TikTok Shop uses a seller-managed fulfillment model. You’re responsible for storing, packing, and shipping orders yourself or through third-party logistics (3PL) providers like CJ Dropshipping, ShipBob, or Deliverr.
This setup offers flexibility, especially for dropshippers and small sellers, but also requires you to maintain shipping speed, inventory accuracy, and customer satisfaction. In select regions, TikTok also offers a fulfillment service (FBT) that streamlines storage and delivery for a fee.
However,Temu provides a fully managed model to simplify logistics for sellers. You can either:
- Pre-stock inventory in Temu’s warehouse (Vendor-Managed Inventory) for faster shipping, or
- Use a presale model (Just-In-Time), where stock is sent after orders come in.
Temu handles the rest, from picking and packing to shipping, through a network of global carriers. While this removes much of the seller’s logistical burden, it also means less flexibility in how orders are fulfilled and shipped.
The platform prioritizes efficiency and cost-effectiveness, but sellers must adhere to strict timelines and fulfillment standards.
Costs and Fees
When comparing TikTok Shop vs Temu, understanding core fees like commissions, fulfillment models, and seller control is key. These impact your profit margins, control over operations, and long-term scalability. The table below offers a quick breakdown:
|
Feature |
Temu |
TikTok Shop |
|---|---|---|
|
Subscription Fee |
None |
None |
|
Referral Fees |
Not public; Temu buys at wholesale and sets final price |
Varies by product category (typically 2%–8%) |
|
Fulfillment |
Fully managed by Temu (inventory or presale model) |
Seller-managed or via third-party logistics (3PL) |
TikTok Shop is flexible and beginner-friendly. There are no subscription fees, and sellers can start with minimal upfront investment. You set your own prices, manage your own branding, and choose how to fulfill orders.
Temu operates more like a wholesale marketplace. You supply products, and Temu takes over including logistics, pricing, and customer service.
While this model removes hassle, it also means less control over profit margins and visibility into how your products are marketed.
Advertising and Marketing Tools
TikTok Shop is built around content and creators which makes its advertising tools powerful and flexible.
Sellers can run paid ads using TikTok Ads Manager, target specific audiences, and boost product visibility directly inside the app. Not sure how to utilize this feature? Take advantage of our TikTok Ad Services and let experts handle it for you.
Moreover, you can also partner with the right influencers to promote your products in exchange for a commission. This lets you reach massive audiences through short videos, trends, and livestreams, all without needing a huge ad budget.
On the flip side, Temu takes a different approach. It handles most of the advertising itself through app banners, email campaigns, and homepage placements.
Sellers don’t have direct access to ad tools or control over how their products are marketed. However, Temu recently launched an Affiliate & Influencer Program that allows creators to earn commissions by sharing product links similar to TikTok’s model.
Profitability Comparison Between TikTok Shop and Temu
Let’s break down how much you’d earn selling a $10 product on each platform:
|
Cost/Fee |
TikTok Shop |
Temu |
|---|---|---|
|
Platform Fee |
2%–8% ($0.20–$0.80) |
Not public (Temu buys wholesale at ~30–50% below retail) |
|
Payment Processing |
~2.9% + $0.30 |
N/A (Temu handles payments) |
|
Shipping |
$2–5 (seller-paid) |
Free for buyers (cost absorbed by Temu/seller) |
|
Returns |
Seller responsible |
Temu covers returns |
|
Net Profit (Est.) |
$4–7 |
$1–3 (high volume required) |
TikTok Shop offers higher margins (40–70%) but requires marketing effort. On the other hand, Temu profits rely on volume (e.g., 10,000+ units) due to ultra-low pricing
Key Differences Between TikTok Shop vs Temu
Here is the quick overview of key differences between TikTok Shop vs Temu
|
Feature |
TikTok Shop |
Temu |
|---|---|---|
|
Platform Type |
Social commerce |
Online marketplace |
|
Audience |
Gen Z, Millennial trend shoppers |
Bargain hunters, general shoppers |
|
Discovery Mechanism |
Video algorithm (For You Page) |
Search + suggested products |
|
Best For |
Creators, viral brands, impulse buys |
Bulk orders, price-sensitive buyers |
|
Fulfillment |
Seller-managed or 3PL |
Centralized by Temu |
|
Product Pricing |
Wide range (mid-to-high margin) |
Ultra low (high volume) |
Now you know the main differences between TikTok Shop and Temu, let’s have a look at the mistakes sellers usually make that should be avoided.
Mistakes to Avoid When Selling on TikTok Shop and Temu
Here are some mistakes that you should avoid while selling on tiktok shop and Temu.
TikTok Shop Mistakes
- Uploading content with no hook or call-to-action
- Poor lighting or low-quality videos
- Ignoring TikTok Creator Marketplace
- Overpricing products for a Gen Z audience
- Not fulfilling orders quickly
- Ignoring comments and DMs
Temu Seller Mistakes
- Listing generic or saturated products
- Weak or confusing product descriptions
- Failing to compete on price
- Not requesting customer reviews
- Stockouts or poor inventory tracking
- Not using proper translation/language for English-speaking markets
Pro Tips to Win on TikTok Shop and Temu in 2025
Below we have mentioned a few pro tips that can help you enhance your sales on both the platforms.
- Use trending TikTok audio and formats to get noticed
- Create video hooks in the first 3 seconds to increase watch time
- Partner with niche influencers, not just big names
- On Temu, offer bundles or exclusive colors to stand out
- Track what’s trending using TikTok Creative Center
- Use AI tools (like ChatGPT or Deepl) to localize listings for Temu
Which Platform Should You Sell On in 2025?
Choose TikTok Shop if:
- You’re building a brand with a story
- You want to leverage influencer partnerships
- Your products benefit from visual storytelling
Choose Temu if:
- You can offer ultra-low prices
- You want a hands-off fulfillment process
- You’re targeting volume over brand loyalty
Selling on both is possible, but you’ll need two separate strategies: one for content and virality (TikTok), and one for scale and margin (Temu).
TikTok Shop vs Temu: Final Verdict
When comparing TikTok Shop vs Temu, it really comes down to your business goals and your customer base.
If you’re looking to expand your brand reach, there’s no better time than now. Tap into Temu’s high-volume marketplace or harness the power of TikTok’s viral shopping experience or combine both for maximum exposure and sales growth.
Want to Succeed on TikTok Shop?
We’ll handle everything for you, from finding winning products and setting up your store to connecting with the right influencers and running high-converting ad campaigns.
Schedule your 1:1 TikTok Shop consultation now and launch your first campaign with confidence!
FAQs
Does TikTok own Temu?
No, TikTok does not own Temu.
Temu is owned by PDD Holdings, the parent company of Pinduoduo, a major Chinese e-commerce platform. TikTok Shop, on the other hand, is operated by ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok.
What shop is better than Temu?
That depends on what you’re looking for:
- If you want ultra-low prices on bulk or general products, Temu is a solid choice.
- For quality control, faster shipping, and stronger brand presence, alternatives like Amazon, AliExpress, or Walmart Marketplace may be better.
- If you want entertainment-led shopping with video content, TikTok Shop is more interactive and trend-driven.
Is TikTok Shop just Temu?
No, TikTok Shop is not Temu. They are completely separate platforms with different business models.
TikTok Shop is a social commerce platform where creators and brands sell products through short videos and livestreams. Temu is a traditional online marketplace focused on low-cost items sourced directly from manufacturers.
Is it safe to buy from the TikTok Shop?
Generally, yes but with caution. TikTok Shop has built-in payment protection and order tracking. However, since it includes third-party sellers, quality can vary. To stay safe:
- Check seller ratings and product reviews
- Pay through official TikTok Shop checkout
- Avoid deals that seem “too good to be true”
TikTok also offers refund and return options, so buyers do have some protection.
